By Cade Kennedy, Sports Editor
After a rocky season last year, the Northwestern Rangers are ready to compete on the gridiron.
Matt Walter returns as the head coach of the Rangers for his eighth year and seventh season, as the Rangers try to build off a 2-9 record from last season.
A familiar face leads the Ranger offense, as Tanner Clarkson remains the starter at quarterback for the Rangers. Last season, Clarkson threw for 2,602 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Clarkson is one of several returning starters for the Rangers, as junior wide receiver Torrence Stevens also returns for the Rangers. Stevens caught 41 passes for 419 yards and four touchdowns last season.
The starting receiver corps contains multiple newcomers for Northwestern, as sophomores Kobe Washington and Travis Romar will make their debuts this season. Sophomore tight end Alex Baxter will also make his first start for this Rangers this season.
For the running backs, sophomore Darian Gill is the only returning tailback from last year, as he put up 184 rushing yards and a touchdown on 42 carries.
The offensive line features more of the experienced players, with four of the five starters being juniors. The only sophomore is Zane Potter, who will be making the first start of his collegiate career.
On the defensive side of the ball, there will be a mix of both veterans and newcomers, as seven underclassmen and four seniors make up the defense.
Three of those four seniors reside on the defensive line, with Brian Holiday and Juan Licea starting at defensive tackle, and Nehemiah Lewis at right end.
At the linebacker spot, the Rangers will have a young core, with two freshmen taking the field and one sophomore. All three players will not only be making their first start, but it will also be the first time any of them have played in a collegiate game.
Alex Aaron leads a young group of safeties and corners, as he recorded 68 tackles, three tackles for loss and an interception last year. Isaiah Wallace also provides experience at corner, as he had 21 total tackles and an interception last season.
The season begins for the Rangers on Thursday, when Northwestern travels to Magnolia, Arkansas to take on Southern Arkansas at Wilkins Stadium at 6 p.m.